Frankenstein Show

An exhibition exploring how queer and trans artists construct their own bodies

Curated by a team of two emerging transgender curators, the exhibition showcases the creative practices of approximately 10 local and emerging LGBTQIA+ artists. Featuring a broad range of work over two levels, this show aims to engage with the co-existing struggle and pride of queer representation in 2023 expressed through a diverse range of visual and physical mediums, including live performance. The central theme of the show is the way in which queer and trans people build their own bodies, and their own categories, to fit in to.

Situated at the centre of the Smith and Gertrude precinct at the Smith and Gertrude gallery, this exhibition is a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ people to gather this Pride season. Opening night is Thursday 1 February, featuring two local drag performers and an opportunity to mingle with the artists and curators. There will be a low-sensory opening the night before on 31 January. The gallery will be open on the day of Victoria's Pride next to the Smith Street Stage.

The exhibition will also play host to a number of other workshops and events throughout the two-week run, including an Embroidering Trans Bodies workshop and a Drag and Draw life drawing session. More information and schedule will be available closer to the date.

CJ Starc (he/they) previously curated the Transcending Spaces exhibition at fortyfivedownstairs, which brought together 9 transgender and nonbinary artists in a love letter to trans joy. His personal practice seeks to de-gender embroidery and centre queer trans kinship and lived experiences. Zoë Sydney’s (they/he/she) personal practice focuses on using emerging technologies in conjunction with textile work to develop a new queer lens of seeing. They are co-founder of the science-art collective ‘Snart Club’ that encourages young people to get curious about science through creativity.

The gallery will be alcohol free on the day of Victoria's Pride.

Open during Victoria's Pride next to the Smith Street stage.